Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Music, One Hoop, Religion, Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah, Suffering, Sukkot, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, gratitude, Gregorian calendar, Happiness, Intercession of the Theotokos, mental health, Shemini Atzeret, spirituality, Sukkot, The Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Time
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot & Shemini Atzeret! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on this feast day dedicated to the Intercession of the Theotokos / The Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
Please join me today (Tuesday, October 14th) at 12:00 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Due to technical difficulties, I did not have the remixed playlist ready for the Noon practice (so we used last week’s music). If you are using the NOON recording, you can use either playlist.
Tuesday’s NOON playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10072025 More Time to… Give Thanks”]
Tuesday’s EVE playlist is on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10142025 ‘i carry your heart’ [the celebrations remix]”]
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
10/2025 Revised playlist options.
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Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Sukkot, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, cultivating gratitude, Desmond Doss, gratitude, Happiness, inspiration, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Larry Smith, Sukkot
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, wisdom, and second chances.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
“There were one hundred and fifty-five went up and fifty-five got themselves down, so they wanted to say I lowered one hundred, but I refused. They wanted to know how many I took care of. I said, ‘I don’t know.’ I don’t see how it could possibly be more than fifty. So they’re the ones who changed it from one hundred. I wanted fifty, and they made it seventy-five. I don’t want to ever say I took care of seventy-five. All I want to say is I was just thankful that the Lord was able to use me, and forget the number. It’s not the number: It’s doing the best you can.”
— Corporal Desmond Doss (awarded the Medal of Honor today in 1945), quoted from the edited transcript of the interview in Beyond Glory: Medal of Honor Heroes in their Own Words by Larry Smith
Please join me today (Sunday, October 12th) at 2:30 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Sukkot 3”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
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Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Sukkot, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Eleanor Roosevelt, George Williams, gratitude, Happiness, Sukkot, Vatican II
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, wisdom, and second chances.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
“Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product. Paradoxically, the one sure way not to be happy is deliberately to map out a way of life in which one would please oneself completely and exclusively.”
— quoted from the “Forward” to You Learn By Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life by Eleanor Roosevelt (b. 1884)
Please join me today (Saturday, October 11th) at 12:00 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Sukkot 2.75 for 10112022”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es). Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.)
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Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Music, One Hoop, Religion, Suffering, Sukkot, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, anxiety, Diane Ackerman, Diane Scanlon, Eva Cassidy, George Michael Green, gratitude, Gregorian calendar, Gregory Smith, Happiness, John Mellencamp, mental health, spirituality, Sukkot, Time, Writing, Yo-Yo Ma
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
“All of those years we spent together (spent together)
Well they’re part of my life forever
I hold the joy with the pain
And the truth is
I miss you my friend”
— quoted from the song “Time Is a Healer” by Eva Cassidy (written by Diane Scanlon, Gregory Smith)
Please join me today (Tuesday, October 7th) at 12:00 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10072025 More Time to… Give Thanks”]
NOTE: For continuity and timing, I switched a track between classes.
“Would you teach your children to tell the truth
Would you take the high road if you could choose
Do you believe you’re a victim of a great compromise
‘Cause I believe you could change your mind and change our lives”
— quoted from the song “Your Life Is Now” by John Mellencamp (b. 1951) (written by John Mellencamp, George Michael Green)
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
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Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Suffering, Sukkot, Vairagya, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Covid, COVID-19, Deuteronomy, Devarim, Gregorian calendar, Happiness, Happiness 101, mental health, Mindfulness, self-care, Sukkot, Tal Ben-Shahar, wellness
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
This post-practice post for Monday, October 6th, is a compilation post featuring previously posted content (For Those Who Missed It) and a couple of related excerpts. Please note that linked excerpts direct you to posts that will include content related to a specific year. The 2025 prompt question was, “What is something you are looking forward to?” You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“Be joyful at your festival – you and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maid-servant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow who live within your city.
For seven days you must celebrate the Festival to YHVH*, your God, in the place which YHVH* shall choose, because the Lord, your God, will bless you in all your produce, and in all the work of your hands, and you will only be happy.”
(*NOTE: YHVH is commonly translated as “the Lord” in English.)
— quoted from Devarim – Deuteronomy (16:14 – 15)
In the Torah (and the Christian Old Testament), there are a list of commandments. Mixed into that list are certain dates the faithful are commanded to observe. We think of them, in the modern context, as “holidays” and they are filled with ritual and tradition. Sometimes the mandate is general and left to interpretation (like when it says in Deuteronomy, “‘… and they shall not appear before the Lord empty: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’” Other times, however, it is very specific about who, what, when, and even where. Sukkot, the “Festival (or Feast) of the Tabernacles (or Booths)” is one of the times where the details are specific — even when they appear vague.
For seven days, 8 in the diaspora, people within the Jewish community and people who observe the commanded holidays, eat, sleep, socialize, and sometimes work in a temporary shelter. The shelter, a sukkah, consists of three walls of any material and a roof made of natural fiber. (Natural being something grown from the earth.) In 2020, when the pandemic created so many obstacles to the ways in which people typically observed and practiced their faith here, finally, was a time when there was less challenge. Yes, true, it was still best for people [around this time in 2020] to socially distance, wear masks, wash your hands, and avoid big gatherings — but, it was also best (when gathering) to be outdoors. It’s like Sukkot was tailor-made for 2020.
“1. Give yourself permission to be human.
2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning.”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
One of the significant things about Sukkot is that it is a time for people to come together regardless of their circumstances, gender, religion, or political affiliation. It is a time for all to remember challenges of the past; while also celebrating better days ahead. Another especially noteworthy thing about Sukkot is the symbolism behind the rituals. For instance, one of the points of being outside in the most basic of shelters, exposed to the elements, is to remind people of the time when their ancestors were living in simple, temporary shelters when they were exiled in the desert for 40 years. It is also a good time to remember how much we have — as well as the fact that we could be happy with less. Sukkot is a reminder that life can be full, even when it is simple and bare-boned. It is a time of appreciation and it is also about accepting the present moment.
That last part — accepting the present moment — is easy to overlook. However, the commandment specifically states that the celebration occurs in a place chosen by God. In other words, we might not be where we want to be or where we thought we would be. (Hello, 2020!) This is something I point out every year, but it was especially pointed out to me in 2016, when the creamery, where I held my 2015 Sukkot retreat was no longer available… and again, in 2017, when it was no longer as easy to schedule time in the church where I held the second retreat… and again, in 2019, when the church camp I had planned to use experienced a fire and had to cancel the bulk of their season. And, then, 2020… once again, things were not as we planned — despite the fact that CP graciously offered to help me plan that year’s retreat. On the face, it might sometimes seem that we are “destined” not to observe this time — and yet, we do, every year… just not necessarily in the place that we thought.
“3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the state of our bank account.
4. Simplify!”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
Many people refer to Sukkot as the “Season of Happiness”, because they view the instructions in the Bible as a mandate to be happy. Since the instruction is to be joyful, or rejoice, about things that have yet to happen — blessings yet to come — one has to wonder: What does it mean to be happy?
Click on the first excerpt title below for a few ways we can define “happy” and the second excerpt title for more about the ways we may experience it.
The Vital Importance of Being… (the “missing” Wednesday post w/an excerpt)
FTWMI*: What Does It Mean to You?
“5. Remember the mind-body connection.”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
Another thing we may wonder is how can we be “independently happy” and celebrate something that hasn’t happened yet? It’s a good question. And, it turns out, there are some really good answers.
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, an expert in Positive Psychology and the author of Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment and A Clash of Values: The Struggle for Universal Freedom, used to teach a class at Harvard University called “Happiness 101”. In his class and through his research, he offered 6 very practical tips for cultivating happiness. Those tips are featured in the practices during Sukkot (and are highlighted throughout this blog post).
This practice also highlights the fact that, as I mentioned on Sunday, today is an “extra day”; so…
“6. Express gratitude, whenever possible.”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### Twin(s); Joy-filled Mondays; People who make yummy food ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Love, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Pema Chodron, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Vairagya, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, change, compassion, faith, Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows, habits, Happiness, Hope, lojong, niyamas, niyamās, Pema Chödrön, Poetry, svadyaya, svādhyāya, Victor Hugo, Writing
Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows and/or responding to life’s challenges with with friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This post-practice compilation post is related to Monday, September 15th, and features some new and reposted content, as well as an excerpt. The 2025 prompt question was, “What is on your mind, on your heart, and how are you dealing with it?” You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“11
When the world is
filled with evil,
Transform all mishaps
into the path of bodhi.”
“16
Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation.”
— quoted from Always Maintain A Joyful Mind: And Other Lojong Teachings on Awakening Compassion and Fearlessness by Pema Chödrön
In Tibetan Buddhism, lojong (“mind training”) techniques are used to cultivate compassion and awaken the heart. These can be challenging endeavors on our best days — let alone on days when, as one of my yoga buddies very aptly stated tonight, “There’s a lot of heavy stuff going on right now.”
I find the second aphorism (quoted above) the easier of the two to engage; because, whether we realize it or not, we bring all of that heavy stuff onto the mat or cushion and, therefore, into the practice. The challenging part is what we do with it all once we are there — which takes us back to the first aphorism (above).
We are advised to breathe into it all — everything we are feeling, everything we are thinking — and to practice a little tonglen (“giving and taking” or “sending and receiving”), if that is in our practice.
In our yoga practice, we might even practice a little svādhyāya (“self-study”), which is the fourth the niyama (internal “observation”) in the Yoga Philosophy. Sometimes, I suggest putting yourself in another (regular) person’s shoes. Classically, however, svādhyāya is practiced using sacred text and/or scripture and putting one’s self in the shoes of a sacred person — which many people around the world did today as they observed the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows is a Marian feast day in the Roman Catholic tradition. Observed annually on September 15th, it is a day when people contemplate and reflect on the suffering of Mary as the mother of Jesus and the only person (as some Christian scholars note) who “remained completely faithful to Christ, from his birth to the Cross.” This type of (Marian) contemplation dates back to the Middle Ages and was extended to the entire Catholic Church by Pope Pius VII in 1814. The focus of this liturgical commemoration is on the length, as well as the depth, of Mary’s devotion and highlights the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Perhaps, if we were to put ourselves in the shoes of a parent like Mary — facing the joys and sorrows that she faced — we would speak up as Victor Hugo did today in 1848.
For Those Who Missed It: The following was previously posted in 2024. (Although the excerpt has been revised.)
“Gentlemen, there are three things which belong to God and which do not belong to man: the irrevocable, the irreparable, the indissoluble. Woe to man if he introduces them into his laws! (Movement.) Sooner or later they cause society to bend under their weight, they disturb the necessary balance of laws and customs, they deprive human justice of its proportions; and then this happens, think about it, gentlemen, that the law terrifies the conscience. (Sensation.)”
— quoted from Victor Hugo’s address to the French Constituent (General) Assembly, September 15, 1848
Live long enough and you will find yourself in a situation that is simultaneously beautiful and… well, icky. You will meet someone who is not who they presented themselves to be. You will find yourself needing to break a habit that once served you; because it is no longer useful — or, in fact, because you finally realize that it never really served you.
I liken these moments to finding a beautiful lotus… only to realize you are standing in the muck from which it grew. Or, we can compare them to the poison pill that heals. Or, we can see them as being on a bough that gives us a beautiful view of the landscape… just as the bough breaks.
In these moments, we can appreciate the beauty and also acknowledge the muck. We can use the amount that heals and also be mindful of the danger. Or, we can be like the bird….
“Be like the bird, who
Pausing in his flight
On limb too slight
Feels it give way beneath him
Yet sings
Knowing he has wings.”
— “Be like the bird” poem by Victor Hugo
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE.
Can You Be Like The Bird? (the “missing” post)
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
NOTE: If you are interested, you can click on the excerpt above for a related playlist.
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### SING! ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Food, Healing Stories, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Happiness, Howard Moskowitz, Malcolm Gladwell
Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone seeking friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).
Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
“That is the final, and I think most beautiful lesson, of Howard Moskowitz: that in embracing the diversity of human beings, we will find a surer way to true happiness.”
— quoted from the 2004 Ted conference TedTalk entitled, “Choice, happiness and spaghetti sauce” by Malcolm Gladwell (b. 1963)
Please join me today (Wednesday, September 3rd) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09032022 What Comes With”]
“Economists often talk about the 80/20 Principle, which is the idea that in any situation roughly 80 percent of the ‘work’ will be done by 20 percent of the participants. In most societies, 20 percent of criminals commit 80 percent of crimes. Twenty percent of motorists cause 80 percent of all accidents. Twenty percent of beer drinkers drink 80 percent of all beer. When it comes to epidemics, though, this disproportionality becomes even more extreme: a tiny percentage of people do the majority of the work.”
— quoted from the introduction of the Law of the Few in “One: The Three Laws of Epidemics” in The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
Click here to check out a 2016 post about someone who does the work and also defies categories.
“I think a lot of people [have misunderstood] a little bit of what I was arguing and have overstated the argument in ways that I had… I had not anticipated. … And also, people have felt that that number is hard and fast and in truth it’s a kind of – it’s supposed to, it symbolizes the fact that the amount of time necessary to develop innate abilities is longer than you think. So, it’s – it’s a metaphor for the extent of commitment that’s necessary in cognitively complex fields.”
— Malcolm Gladwell talking about the 10,000 hours / 10 years idea to HeavyCheff and CliffCentral reps at BCX Disrupt Summit
Extreme heat (and a lot of changes) can not only make people lethargic and unmotivated, they can also lead to extreme agitation and anxiety-based fear. We may find it hard to think, hard to feel (or process our feelings), and/or hard to control our impulses. If you are struggling in the US, help is available just by dialing 988.
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah, Suffering, Sukkot, Vairagya, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Abraham Lincoln, cultivating gratitude, gratitude, Happiness, King Solomon, lojong, santosha, Sukkot
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
“And this too shall pass.”
— The old saying “Gam zeh ya’avor,“ in Hebrew (with Persian and Jewish origins)
Two questions have come up again and again over the last two weeks: “How could I spend my time?” and “What does happiness mean to you?” Both questions and this whole week of Sukkot — especially with yesterday’s focus on people who experienced major setbacks and “failures” — made me think of the phrase above that my grandmother often said. It also made me think about our overall perspectives, which is typically the underlying focus during my classes on October 23rd.*
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE!
Being Grateful for What Will Be
FTWMI*: What Does It Mean to You?
“It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: ‘And this, too, shall pass away.’ How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! — how consoling in the depths of affliction!”
— Abraham Lincoln speaking to the Wisconsin State Agriculture Society at the Wisconsin State Fair, September 30, 1859
Please join me today (Wednesday, October 23rd) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Sukkot 3”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
*2024 PRACTICE NOTE: As I have repeatedly admitted, I have to work at keeping certain things simple. Point in case, I was in the process of remixing a playlist (combining two), because this seventh day of Sukkot coincides with the anniversary of the 1920 publication of Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street, the anniversary of the birth of Michael Crichton (b. 1942), and the birthday of “Weird Al” Yankovic (b. 1959).
Obviously, things didn’t work out as planned — and I’m not mad about it. In fact, I’m grateful.
### Books and music (especially those that inspire more art); People who create books, music, and other art; People who appreciate books, music, and other art. ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 7-Day Challenge, Baha'i, Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Dharma, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Life, Mantra, Meditation, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Suffering, Sukkot, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Deuteronomy, Devarim, Eddie Izzard, Happiness, Happiness 101, klishtaklishta, klişţāklişţāh, lojong, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, positive psychology, pratītyasamutpāda, saṃskāra, Sukkot, Tal Ben-Shahar, vasana, vāsanā, Yoga Sutra 2.33, Yoga Sutra 4.29, Yoga Sutras 2.1-2.55
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This 2-for-2 post is the “missing” post for Saturday, October 19th, and the post-practice post related to the practice on Monday, October 21st. The 2024 prompt question on Monday was two-fold, “What is something or someone from your past and/or present for which you are grateful? What is a future something or someone for which you will be grateful?” This post contains some previously posted content. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“And they have made us Liars. We cannot tell the truth anymore. You cannot reprimand your children.
[In adult voice] ‘No Jonny, you said you you didn’t have a biscuit, but there’s crumbs on your face and you did have a biscuit. You have lied.’
[In kid voice] ‘But you said you had read the terms and conditions when you ticked that box. It’s too quick for you to read the terms and conditions. You read it and [makes the sounds of fast moving text].’
The truth is no one in this room has read the terms and conditions. No one in New York has read the terms and conditions. No one in the Universe — Even God has not read the terms and conditions….”
— quoted from Eddie Izzard: Live at Madison Square Garden (part of the “Stripped” tour) by Eddie Izzard
Any time we update something, start using a new app, or sign a contract for something, we have to acknowledge the “Terms and Conditions” provided in the agreement. We may not always read the fine print, but there is something explicitly laid out that defines expectations and consequences. In life, we don’t always have things explicitly outlined; but, the terms and conditions still exist. In Buddhism and in the Yoga Philosophy, we think of them as causes and conditions.
I have heard the Buddha discussed pratītyasamutpāda, which can be translated into English as “dependent origination”, or “dependent arising”; indicating that “if this exists, that exists; if this ceases to exist, that also ceases to exist”. Here, “this” can be a grain (or direction) of suffering and/or a grain (or direction) of wisdom. A similar rubric is outlined in the second section of the Yoga Sūtras, where Patanjali described how afflicted/dysfunctional and not-afflicted/functional thought patterns (kliṣṭākliṣṭāḥ) are like planted seeds that can lead to pain or pleasure. In both philosophies, the path to ending the causes and conditions of suffering includes meditation and right/skillful/functional thoughts, words, and deeds.
In the absence of the formal practice, both philosophies encourage cultivating the opposite.
“Now I’m allowing myself to lose my inner peace and happiness. This is a much greater loss than losing a portion of my material wealth. Furthermore, such occurrences are commonplace. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. In worldly matters I will do what needs to be done, but never at the cost of losing the pristine nature of my mind. I must adhere to the higher virtues of my heart.”
— commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.33 from The Practice of the Yoga Sutra: Sadhana Pada by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
Another way to think of these terms and conditions is simply as cause and effect — which includes the consequences of our actions, as well as expectations that arise from previous experiences. Some of our expectations are based on our direct lived experiences and some are based on the expectations of other people’s experiences. All of these expectations make up our conditioning. One of the intentions behind the 2024 Saturday practices has been to take a look at our conditioning; to bring awareness to our saṃskāra (“mental impression”) and vāsanā (a literal “dwelling” place of our habits); and to notice some of the reasons why we think, speak, and do as we do.
Once we bring awareness to our conditioning, we can start contemplating future conditioning: which seeds we want to plant and which habits we want to cultivate. However, the ultimate goal of all these practices is to find the state of mind that leads to less suffering. In Buddhism, the ultimate goal is nirvāṇa (or nibbāna, in Pali). In the Yoga Sūtra 4.29, Patanjali described a particular experience of samādhiḥ as “a cloud of virtue”. Either way you think of it, less suffering means… more happiness (whatever that means to you at this moment).
For some people, “the state of being happy” is an ecstatic kind of joy; for others it is “not being miserable”; and then there is everything in between. Both Yoga and Buddhism feature practices centered around happiness. For example, the second niyama (internal observation in the Yoga Philosophy) is santosha, the practice of contentment. In Tibetan Buddhism, one of the lojong (“mind training”) techniques is “Always maintain only a joyful mind.” (#21) Again, these are practices; the jumping off points for meditation and contemplation.
What if, however, you were commanded to be happy?
FTWMI: The following is a revised/updated version of a 2020 post entitled “Be Happy, Now!”
“Be joyful at your festival – you and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maid-servant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow who live within your city.
For seven days you must celebrate the Festival to YHVH*, your God, in the place which YHVH* shall choose, because the Lord, your God, will bless you in all your produce, and in all the work of your hands, and you will only be happy.”
(*NOTE: YHVH is commonly translated as “the Lord” in English.)
— quoted from Devarim – Deuteronomy (16:14 – 15)
In the Torah (and the Christian Old Testament), there are a list of commandments. Mixed into that list are certain dates the faithful are commanded to observe. We think of them, in the modern context, as “holidays” and they are filled with ritual and tradition. Sometimes the mandate is general and left to interpretation (like when it says in Deuteronomy, “‘… and they shall not appear before the Lord empty: Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.’” Other times, however, it is very specific about who, what, when, and even where. Sukkot, the “Festival (or Feast) of the Tabernacles (or Booths)” is one of the times where the details are specific — even when they appear vague.
For seven days, 8 in the diaspora, people within the Jewish community and people who observe the commanded holidays, eat, sleep, socialize, and sometimes work in a temporary shelter. The shelter, a sukkah, consists of three walls of any material and a roof made of natural fiber. (Natural being something grown from the earth.) In 2020, when the pandemic created so many obstacles to the ways in which people typically observed and practiced their faith here, finally, was a time when there was less challenge. Yes, true, it was still best for people [around this time in 2020] to socially distance, wear masks, wash your hands, and avoid big gatherings — but, it was also best (when gathering) to be outdoors. It’s like Sukkot was tailor-made for 2020.
“1. Give yourself permission to be human.
2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning.”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
One of the significant things about Sukkot is that it is a time for people to come together regardless of their circumstances, gender, religion, or political affiliation. It is a time for all to remember challenges of the past; while also celebrating better days ahead. Another especially noteworthy thing about Sukkot is the symbolism behind the rituals. For instance, one of the points of being outside in the most basic of shelters, exposed to the elements, is to remind people of the time when their ancestors were living in simple, temporary shelters when they were exiled in the desert for 40 years. It is also a good time to remember how much we have — as well as the fact that we could be happy with less. Sukkot is a reminder that life can be full, even when it is simple and bare-boned. It is a time of appreciation and it is also about accepting the present moment.
That last part — accepting the present moment — is easy to overlook. However, the commandment specifically states that the celebration occurs in a place chosen by God. In other words, we might not be where we want to be or where we thought we would be. (Hello, 2020!) This is something I point out every year, but it was especially pointed out to me in 2016, when the creamery, where I held my 2015 Sukkot retreat was no longer available… and again, in 2017, when it was no longer as easy to schedule time in the church where I held the second retreat… and again, in 2019, when the church camp I had planned to use experienced a fire and had to cancel the bulk of their season. And, then, 2020… once again, things were not as we planned — despite the fact that CP graciously offered to help me plan that year’s retreat. On the face, it might sometimes seem that we are “destined” not to observe this time — and yet, we do, every year… just not necessarily in the place that we thought.
“3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the state of our bank account.
4. Simplify!”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
Many people refer to Sukkot as the “Season of Happiness”, because they view the instructions in the Bible as a mandate to be happy. Since the instruction is to be joyful, or rejoice, about things that have yet to happen — blessings yet to come — one has to wonder: How can we be “independently happy” and celebrate something that hasn’t happened yet? It’s a good question. And, it turns out, there are some really good answers.
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, an expert in Positive Psychology and the author of Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment and A Clash of Values: The Struggle for Universal Freedom, used to teach a class at Harvard University called “Happiness 101”. In his class and through his research, he offered 6 very practical tips for cultivating happiness. Those tips are featured in the practices during Sukkot (and are highlighted throughout this blog post).
“5. Remember the mind-body connection.
6. Express gratitude, whenever possible.”
— quoted from the Psychology 1504 (“Positive Psychology”) course by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Sukkot 2”]
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices (on Monday).
Monday Practice Note: Since the prompt question, on Monday, October 21st, elicited several references to educational pursuits, I mentioned that we are in the month of ‘Ilm (“Knowledge”) on the Bahá’í Faith calendar.
This practice also included a teaser for Tuesday.
Click on the excerpt title below for additional content referenced during these practices (including an explanation about the “hedonic treadmill” (or “hedonic adaptation”).
FTWMI*: What Does It Mean to You?
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### YESTERDAY, TODAY, (the possibility of) TOMORROW ###
### Essential workers (outside of healthcare), Essential workers (within healthcare), Teachers ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, First Nations, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Life, Love, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Sukkot, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Happiness, Noah Webster, Oscar Wilde, shabda, Sukkot
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This is the “missing” post for Wednesday, October 16th, which contains some previously posted content. Quotes use the spellings found in the source material. The second embedded link connects to a series of related posts. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“TRIV’IAL, adjective [Latin trivialis; probably from Gr.; Latin tero, trivi, to wear, or from trivium, a highway.]
-
Trifling; of little worth or importance; inconsiderable; as a trivial subject; a trivial affair.
-
Worthless; vulgar.
Trivial name, in natural history, the common name for the species, which added to the generic name forms the complete denomination of the species; the specific name. Thus in Lathyrus aphaca, Lathyrus is the generic name, and aphaca the trivial or specific name, and the two combined form the complete denomination of the species. Linne at first applied the term specific name to the essential character of the species, now called the specific definition or difference; but it is now applied solely to the trivial name.
— quoted from Webster’s Dictionary 1828: American Dictionary of the English Language
Whether we speak them, sign them, write them, and/or think them, words are anything but trivial. Words have power. As I often mention, śabda (or shabda), ranks as one of my top six siddhis or “powers.” Part of the power of words obviously comes from our understanding of them and the way we use them. More power comes from how we interact with them; how they manifest (i.e., become tangible); and how we internalize and ultimately embody them.
For example, consider what happiness means to you and how you experience the state of being “happy”. This time of year, I often mention the fact that people experience happiness in different ways. For some people it is an ecstatic kind of joy, for others it is “not being miserable”, and then there is everything in between. Since Wednesday was Erev Sukkot, the eve of what some people consider the “Season of Happiness”, I decided to get serious about the meaning of “happy.” And, any time I get “earnest” about a word, I turn to one of my favorite dictionaries: An American Dictionary of the English Language, a. k. a. Webster’s 1828 dictionary.
“HAP’PY adjective [from hap.]
-
Lucky; fortunate; successful.
Chimists have been more happy in finding experiments, than the causes of them.
So we say, a happy thought; a happy expedient.
-
Being in the enjoyment of agreeable sensations from the possession of good; enjoying pleasure from the gratification of appetites or desires. The pleasurable sensations derived from the gratification of sensual appetites render a person temporarily happy; but he only can be esteemed really and permanently happy who enjoys peace of mind in the favor of God. To be in any degree happy we must be free from pain both of body and of mind; to be very happy we must be in the enjoyment of lively sensations of pleasure, either of body or mind.
Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed. Genesis 30:13.
He found himself happiest, in communicating happiness to others.”
— quoted from Webster’s Dictionary 1828: American Dictionary of the English Language
Noah Webster, whose name has become inextricably linked to words, understood all the different ways that words contain power — as well as the power of people sharing a language. He was born on October 16, 1758, in Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Yale College (in 1779).The lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English-language spelling reformer and grammarian, journalist, political writer and editor, lobbyist, state representative, and author started off as a teacher. However, he quickly resigned from his initial teaching position after deciding he would be happier as a lawyer. Studying law and teaching (to earn his keep) left him so depressed that he had to take a break to regroup and find a new mentor. Unfortunately, after passing the bar exam (in 1781), he couldn’t find a job as a lawyer and went back to teaching. This time, however, the morale of the man who is remembered as the “Father of American Scholarship and Education” was affected by the the poor quality of elementary school textbooks. He was reportedly “appalled” and decided he could do better.
Noah Webster’s 3-volume collection, officially called A Grammatical Institute of the English Language, started with the “Blue-Backed Speller”, published in 1783, when the author was 25. It was organized according to a very specific pedagogy based on his theories of child development. It was also very secular in nature and highlighted American history. At the age of 26, about a year after publishing his speller, Mr. Webster published a grammar book. Finally, he published a reader in 1785, when he was 27. The proceeds of the speller, in particular, enabled him (at 43 years old) to start focusing on the production of a series of English dictionaries. In total, he would spend 26 years working on the dictionary that is now synonymous with his name.
“HAP’PY adjective [from hap.]
-
Blessed; enjoying the presence and favor of God, in a future life.
-
Harmonious; living in concord; enjoying the pleasures of friendship; as a happy family.
-
Propitious; favorable.”
— quoted from Webster’s Dictionary 1828: American Dictionary of the English Language
Noah Webster’s first dictionary was a purely English dictionary. Published in 1806, he stated that it had 5,000 more words than could be found in the best English dictionaries. In 1807, Noah Webster he started working on An American Dictionary of the English Language. Completed in 1825 and published in 1828 (with a copywrite date of April 14th), it was the first American English dictionary and contained over 70,000 words — 12,000 of which had never appeared in a dictionary before, including words that were uniquely “American”* (meaning they were from Native, Indigenous, and First Nations languages and/or from languages of non-English speaking colonizers). Part of the reason it took so long to complete was that he had to learn 28 languages, including Sanskrit and Persian, in order to document the etymology of the words.
Unlike the original speller, the American dictionary had some definite religious overtones (which some historians attribute to his age). Another notable feature of Mr. Webster’s publications was that he popularized what he considered simpler, more phonetic spelling (e.g., “color” instead of “colour”, “music” instead of “musick”, “center” instead of “centre”). Of course, some of his preferred spellings never took hold. For example, most Americans use the spelling “women” versus “wimmen” or “wimen”, which Noah Webster considered more accurate. Then there is the aforenoted “chimist” instead of “chemist”.
*NOTE: While Noah Webster was one of the co-founders of the Connecticut Society for the Abolition of Slavery, he ultimately distanced himself from the abolitionist movement and went so far as to publish an American history textbook that simultaneously removed historical references to slavery, disparaged African Americans, and leaned into white nationalism. He also indicated that “slavery is a great sin and a general calamity—but it is not our sin [in the North]….”
While some view his perspective change in the 1830’s as a reaction to criticism related to certain abolitionist being against slavery but not anti-slavery, evidence of these opinions can be found in the 1828 dictionary (e.g., in certain definitions and in the lack of etymology for words directly related to certain tribes).
“EARNEST, adjective
-
Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited.
They are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty.
-
Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer.
-
Intent; fixed.
On that prospect strange
Their earnest eyes were fixed.
-
Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest To be in earnest is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest. Are you in earnest or in jest?”
— quoted from Webster’s Dictionary 1828: American Dictionary of the English Language
In addition to being the anniversary of the birth of Noah Webster, October 16th is also the anniversary of the birth of Oscar Wilde. Born Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde in 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, the poet and playwright was the author of one of my favorite books, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and wildly successful plays like A Woman of No Importance (premiered in April 1893), An Ideal Husband (premiered in January 1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People (premiered in February 1895). Like so many of his works, the aforementioned novel and plays feature people living double lives specifically because there was a dramatic contrast between social expectations and private desires. This contrast — between what a person believed would make them happy versus what Victorian society defined as seriously, important and ideal (for one to be happy) — wasn’t just playing out in Oscar Wilde’s work; it was playing out in his life. Mr. Wilde was homosexual during a time when homosexuality was criminalized in Victorian society and the premiere of Earnest marked one of the professional high points and personal low points of his life.
The following excerpt was posted in 2020 and 2022 (in slightly different contexts):
“Oscar Wilde’s play The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People premiered on February 14, 1895 at the Saint James Theatre in London. It is a love story (or love stories) of sorts, but it is also a comedy of errors and a social satire full of love, love triangles, double entendres, double lives, mistaken identities, the dichotomy of public versus private life in Victorian society, and so many trivialities that one can hardly be blamed for questioning that about which one should be serious… or earnest. Like his other plays, Earnest was well received and marked a professional high point in Wilde’s life. However, it also marked a personal low point: Wilde’s trial, conviction, and imprisonment for homosexuality — which was illegal in Victorian England. Earnest would be the last play written by Oscar Wilde and, some would argue, his most popular.”
“LADY BRACKNELL.
My nephew, you seem to be displaying signs of triviality.
JACK.
On the contrary, Aunt Augusta, I’ve now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest.”
— quoted from Act III of The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10162024 The Vital Importance of Being…”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### What Does Happiness Mean To You? ###
A Joyful Practice 